IFRC

Greece -“Freedom from the Fires” – an eyewitness account from a Hellenic Red Cross rescuer

Published: 4 September 2007 0:00 CET
  • People’s welcome of the Hellenic Red Cross teams was touching. They kept hugging and kissing us, having seen us save lives, try to save their properties and bring them to places where they were out of danger. Everybody was seeking help and they knew we were there to help them. They even called us saviours! Even the most experienced rescuer cannot remain untouched by the cry, the agony and the pain a person experiences at the loss of a family member. At that moment, the feelings you have are really intense. However, you must control yourself and not get carried away since the rescue operation is not over yet. Vassilios Andriopoulos, a volunteer rescuer with the Hellenic Red Cross. (p16382)

Map

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, with 187 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. About this site & copyright